Castle Hill in Tännesberg brings together the remains of two medieval castles and the Stations of the Cross, which leads uphill from the town. The market square, Geological Nature Trail and natural swimming area offer further points of interest, depending on whether you want to focus on hiking, geological history, water or local culture. For planning, it is worth comparing the trails: their lengths, routes and stated durations differ.
Hiking between Castle Hill and geology
The remains of the upper and lower castles are located on Tännesberg’s Castle Hill. The Goldsteig trail also crosses Castle Hill, then continues through the Tännesberg Forest along the Geological Nature Trail. The route thus connects the named viewpoint associated with the town’s history to a stretch through the forest. The circular route combining the Geological Nature Trail and Tännesberg Castle Hill is 3 km long and tells the story of around 4.6 billion years of Earth’s history.
Another option is the Rebhuhnweg: it is 2.5 km long, marked, starts at the market square in Tännesberg and takes about an hour. Compared with the 3 km geological loop, it is shorter; you can also plan for an approximate walking time. The DSV Nordic Active Walking Centre offers three Nordic walking routes totalling 22 km. Check local information about current route conditions before setting out.
Nature and time by the water
The rocky, dry slope of Castle Hill is an important habitat for numerous animal and plant species and contributes to the diversity of species and habitats in Tännesberg. The natural swimming area at Bursweiher is free to access. Facilities include sunbathing areas, a beach volleyball court and play equipment for children. As seasonal operations may vary, check local information before your visit.
Churches, pilgrimage and the harvest
The Tännesberg parish includes St. Jodok Church and the Castle Hill Chapel. Near Tännesberg, the St. Jodok Ride takes place at the pilgrimage church of St. Jodok: a horseback pilgrimage with over 200 horses, held annually on the fourth Sunday in July. If you would like to plan your visit around it, check the date for your trip.
A planned harvest activity adds another seasonal highlight: one or two afternoons of apple picking are planned each year to make Tännesberg organic apple juice at the Bernhard cider press; volunteers are sought for the autumn harvest. If you would like to take part, check the current participation requirements locally in advance.
A longer route option in the wider destination of Neustadt An Der Waldnaab
If you are also planning to visit the wider destination of Neustadt An Der Waldnaab, the Bockl offers a much longer route than the 2.5 km and 3 km trails in Tännesberg. The 52 km route runs from Neustadt an der Waldnaab to Eslarn along a historic railway line and can be travelled on foot, by bike or on inline skates. It is mostly paved and traffic-free; gradients along the route rarely exceed 3 percent.
The Bockl’s starting point in Neustadt an der Waldnaab is directly accessible by train. Trains run hourly to the terminus of the Nuremberg–Neustadt an der Waldnaab line; from there, you can transfer directly to a bike. Check the timetable before you travel. This makes it possible to choose between the short local trails and this longer route option based on the stated distances and modes of transport.
Discover more destinations: Weiherhammer, Georgenberg, Luhe-Wildenau, Eschenbach In Der Oberpfalz, Leuchtenberg, Störnstein, Theisseil, Pleystein
View the wider travel overview: Neustadt An Der Waldnaab.
